Uncle G’s FUN Music Reviews: Greg Lake (Solo Reissues)

As Seen On…Classic Rock Radio (UK)

Uncle G’s FUN Music Reviews

First Published: 23 May 2016
Classic Rock Reissues (2015 Double Disc CD)
Musician: Greg Lake
Disc # 01. Greg Lake – Greg Lake (1981)
Disc # 02. Greg Lake – Manoeuvres (1983)

By: Gary “Uncle G” Brown (GaryBrown@garyunclegbrownarchives.com)

What a pleasant surprise to find out the two albums Greg Lake did in the early 1980s have been reissued. A nice double CD, accompanied by a multi-page booklet where Greg gives new insights on both releases. Plus photos! Very informative, and most importantly the CDs themselves sound great. A definite upgrade for me. I had both on cassette.

“Uncle G” Reflects on … Greg Lake – Greg Lake (1981)

Greg Lake’s first solo record starts off with a real rocker called; Nuclear Attack. The intro screams electric guitar. Different from what fans like myself expected of Greg Lake. The song ends up being the biggest hit of the album. Written by Gary Moore (1952 – 2011). A very talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Just one of many wonderful musicians who participate in this unfortunate, overall, lackluster release. A topic that Mr. Lake himself addresses in the booklet that accompanies this reissue. His honesty/self-evaluation I find to be refreshing.

The music itself is more in the vein of adult contemporary than what made Greg a household name; progressive rock. His voice was instantly recognizable to fans of classic rock/rock music in general due to his participation in not only one, but two very successful prog-rock bands; King Crimson, and the mighty Emerson, Lake, & Palmer. His first record with Chrysalis Records is a mix of songs, that according to Mr. Lake, had no real sense of direction. A reflection of his professional life, being up in the air. For the 1980s was a new decade, and for Greg Lake seeing how ELP had just broken up, meant new career decisions. Not joining another band where the main focus would not be on him, and instead recording under his own name, was one of them. Sales of Greg’s self-titled album weren’t exactly what the label was expecting. Disappointing, especially when compared to the millions sold under the band names he was a part of. Keep in mind, that this was a fresh start.

Highlights

Nuclear Attack / Love You Too Much (in part written by Bob Dylan) / It Hurts / Let Me Love You Once / For Those Who Dare.

Not an out-and-out bad song anywhere. Just some might be better than others. People’s taste varies. What tracks I give repeat plays too, someone else might not be that fond of. The one thing we Greg Lake fans all have in common is enjoying Greg’s work in general as a musician. The man could create a song and have lyrics focus around doing a Google search on reptiles, and I’m sure it would be better than a lot of what could be found on today’s record charts. Is my generations Tony Bennett or Andy Williams. Blessed with a singing voice that may have changed some as he aged, but has always remained strong and captivating. Also a very talented bass, and guitar player who knows his way around a recording studio. A professional career that started in 1969, that generated a song catalog any professional musician would be envious of.

Greg Lake – Greg Lake Reissue Bonus Tracks

01.) You Really Got A Hold On Me (Smokey Robinson song)
02.) You’re Good With Your Love (recorded with members of Toto)
03.) Cold Side of a Woman (recorded with members of Toto)

Uncle G Reflects on … Greg Lake – Manoeuvres (1983)

This was Greg Lake’s second solo record. I conclude it’s a more cohesive effort, in which Greg is playing with one set of musicians throughout the album. His touring band which he got used to working with. If I had to pick a favorite between his self-titled first solo, and this one, I’d pick the latter. A mix of rockers, and power ballads. A solid listen from start to finish.

The Greg Lake Band

Greg Lake – Guitar, Vocals
Gary Moore – Guitar
Tristian Margetts – Bass
Tommy Eyre – Keyboards
Ted McKenna – Drums

Highlights

A Woman Like You / Famous Last Words / Haunted / It’s You, You Gotta Believe.

Greg Lake – Manoeuvres Reissue Bonus Track

01.) Hold On (original tune by Greg Lake)

Greg Lake – Manoeuvres Song Writing Credits

Mister Greg Lake has his name on eight songwriting credits on this album. The bonus track makes nine. Either as the sole writer or in part.

Uncle G Rates … Greg Lake – Greg Lake / Manoeuvres (2 disc reissue CD)

Using the one to five-star rating system in which one star means one can skip over, to five stars which means every Greg Lake fan should have this in their collection, I rate Greg Lake – Greg Lake / Manoeuvres (2 disc reissue CD)… 5 stars! I am so glad I have this now. Have played both discs numerous times since acquiring them. A wonderful addition to the many titles I have already with Greg Lake’s involvement.

For additional information, please visit Greg Lake’s official Website: www.greglake.com

Promotion: Glass Onyon PR – https://glassonyonpr.com/

Update May of 2020: Greg Lake passed away on December 7, 2016. Condolences to Greg’s family, personal friends, those he worked with, and his fans, worldwide.

End of Article

Website Maintenance aka Opportunity Knocks

Help Keep the Gary “Uncle G” Brown Archives Online

Uncle G’s Tip Jar

Pardon me. Before you leave. Could you help out an aging altar boy? Boy Scout? An almost always penniless, freelance writer? If possible and not struggling yourself, whatever you can donate big or small is more than welcome and very appreciated.

Coming Soon: Gary “Uncle G” Brown Archives Merchandise; Tee Shirt(s) – Keychain(s) – Coffee Mugs – Umbrellas (Staying dry with “Uncle G”).

Thanks for visiting. You ROCK! Don’t forget to bookmark the Gary “Uncle G” Brown Archives, and keep coming back.

Oh…one last thing. The Gary “Uncle G” Brown Archives doesn’t advertise. Way too expensive! Can’t afford it! This ideal costs nothing but your time, and it would help a great deal. Sharing links and positive word of mouth about the website means the world to the author. Please do, if possible. Odds are it will yield positive results. And thanks, again. Your favorite “Uncle G” would be very grateful.